The COVID-19 pandemic has been a long and lonely road, but Bellefonte used its time wisely. As football season kicks off, this small town with big dreams is ready to welcome visitors and show off whatas new and improved. If youare making the trip to Happy Valley, make sure Bellefonte is on your weekend agenda.

DINE & DRINK

Axemann Brewery had plans to open in April 2020, but instead fulfilled an increased need for people to purchase beer on tap to-go. When the taproom opened in July that year, limits on capacity helped the location ramp up slowly. Now, the unique location along Logan Branch streamaformerly the Cerroas Metals Factoryais a popular spot for families and friends thanks to its large, open-air design, abundant indoor and outdoor seating, games, food offerings and, of course, craft beer brewed onsite.
Axemann Brewery, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte
aAxemannBrewery.com

Although Bonfattoas opened its new location in 2019, itas worth a mention in case you missed it. Bonfattoas Italian Market & Corner CafA(C) is a new concept for the Bellefonte staple, which has been around since 1919. The new downtown location still offers its famous Bonanza subs, and also now features a breakfast menu, coffee, pastries, unique grocery items, and a short (but delicious) list of Italian specialties for lunch and early dinner, including Mediterranean-style salads, paninis and pastas. You can dine inside or outside (limited tables are available on the sidewalk, but itas just across the street from abundant outdoor seating at Talleyrand Park) or pick up your tailgate favorites to-go.
Bonfattoas Italian Market & Corner CafA(C), 401 W. High Streeta
bonfattos.com

The long-awaited renovation and reopening of Bellefonteas historic Gamble Mill is off to a great start since opening this summer. The Republic is on the first floor and offers a cozy atmosphere for high-quality cocktails, wines and craft beer. If you remember the original tavern that once occupied the space, youall love seeing the original stone walls, brick floors and pillars, and beautiful wood beams.
The Republic, 160 Dunlop Street, Bellefontea
TheRepublicGambleMill.com

The Creekside at the Gamble Mill is open and offering indoor and outdoor seating and a menu featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes by Chef Michael Marx. His Worldas Fare Catering and food truck were local favorites before he created a permanent space at the Gamble Mill. Creekside also offers a complete bar service, with Pennsylvania craft beers on tap, cocktails featuring Big Spring Spirits and various varieties and vintages of wines.
Creekside at the Gamble Milla
CreeksideattheGambleMill.com

Another food-truck-turned-permanent-space is located just minutes from downtown Bellefonte in Milesburg. Michael and Kennita Johnson kept the truckas name, Happy Dishes, and are spreading happiness in the form of Southern style and BBQ specialties. The Johnsonas pride themselves on the family-friendly menu, pricing and space, which includes both indoor and outdoor seating.
Happy Dishes, 200 Mill Street, Milesburg

It may seem like an unusual place to enjoy some of the most authentic Mexican fare youall ever have, but Milesburg is also home to the second location for Lupitaas (the original is in State College). Lupitaas sources many ingredients from Mexico and provides an array of house-made sauces and salsas that take every meal to the next level. Lupitaas shares patio seating with Happy Dishes.
Lupitaas Authentic Mexican Food, 200 Mill Street, Milesburga
lupitas-authentic-mexican-foods.business.site

BROWSE & SHOP

For one-of-a-kind finds for yourself or for perfect gifts, take a stroll downtown. Artist and owner Elizabeth Hay personally curates the inventory in her gallery and gift shop, Art a la Carte. Featuring the work of more than 30 local artists, the shop offers everything from jewelry to fiber arts, from ceramics to paintings, from purses to woodwork. Check out the website for information on art classes on Saturdays and weekday evenings.

Art a la Carte, 107 S. Allegheny Street, Bellefontea
artalacartepa.com

After wrapping up renovations, the Belle Mercantile opened in September 2020 and quickly became a local favorite. The vision of a carefully curated, constantly evolving marketplace came to life for husband and wife team Brian Bonner and Andrea Skirpan. Some items are locally themed, like Penn State pottery and artwork featuring Bellefonteas downtown architecture, while other vendors bring unique home dA(C)cor, jewelry, natural skincare products, candles, and more. Youall find items for kids and pets as well as locally made foods and beverages.
Belle Mercantile, 135 S. Spring Street, Bellefontea
BelleMercantile.com

If youave enjoyed Helen Foxx, check out Bellefonteas two newest womenas clothing boutiques, also located downtown.

When a lease opened up on a space in fall 2020, Emily Boone took a leap and settled her online and pop-up boutique By a Thread into a permanent location. She handpicks each item, from flowy dresses and tops to cozy sweaters and hip hats.
By a Thread, 135 W. High Streeta
byathreadboutique.com

Across the street, Lock Boutique offers trendy styles selected by owner Lydia Shafer who had a desire to offer the boutique shopping experience to younger women. She opened Lock in early 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Styles are chic and affordable and similar to what shoppers might find in more urban areas.
Lock Boutique, 136 W. High Streeta
lock-style.com